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Scores of traders were on Tuesday arrested during a crackdown by National Environmental Management Authority (Nema) officials in Southern Nyanza for violating environmental laws.

The 20 suspects were nabbed by Nema officials from Kisii, Homa Bay, Migori and Nyamira counties.

Among those arrested include hotel managers, supermarket owners and traders. They were accused of failing to comply with various policies meant to protect the environment.

Traders were also accused of discharging chemical wastes and raw effluent into Lake Victoria as well as using banned plastic bags.

Nema Chief Compliance Officer Jane Nyandika said the sting exercise seeks to ensure the lake is protected from excessive pollution.

 Nyandika said the crackdown will be continuous until there is full compliance with the environmental laws. “The lake has become a depository for all sorts of wastes,” Nyandika said.

Homa Bay Nema Director Josiah Nyandoro expressed concerns that some individuals are still smuggling banned polythene bags. He said those arrested will be arraigned.